Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Aaron Nola

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Aaron Nola made an impact.

Aaron Nola is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1989: First Phillies Pitcher to Make MLB Debut Since Pat Combs

In 1989, Pat Combs became the first Phillies pitcher to debut in MLB in the season after being drafted, a milestone later matched by Aaron Nola.

2011: Drafted by Toronto Blue Jays

In 2011, Aaron and his brother Austin Nola were both selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the MLB Draft, but Aaron chose to attend Louisiana State University instead.

2012: Freshman Season at LSU

In 2012, Aaron Nola concluded his freshman season with a 7-4 record and a 3.61 ERA in 89 and two-thirds innings, demonstrating early promise in his collegiate career.

2012: Impressive Second Season with LSU

In 2012, Aaron Nola had an impressive second season with LSU. He threw his first career shutout complete game against Alabama. He also became the first LSU pitcher to record four consecutive complete-game victories since Mike Sirotka in 1993. Nola went 12-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 126 innings pitched.

June 10, 2014: Signed with the Phillies

On June 10, 2014, Aaron Nola signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for a $3.3 million signing bonus, marking the beginning of his professional career.

August 6, 2014: Double-A Debut

On August 6, 2014, Aaron Nola debuted for the Double-A Reading Phillies against the Harrisburg Senators, showcasing his progression in the minor leagues.

2014: Selected by Phillies in MLB draft

In 2014, the Phillies selected Aaron Nola seventh overall in the MLB draft, marking a significant step in his baseball career.

June 14, 2015: Promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs

On June 14, 2015, Aaron Nola was promoted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs after a strong performance with Reading, marking another step in his journey to the major leagues.

July 21, 2015: Major League Debut

On July 21, 2015, Aaron Nola made his major league debut for the Philadelphia Phillies, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to debut the season after being drafted since Pat Combs in 1989. He wore No. 27 for the Phillies. In the first inning of the 1-0 loss against the Tampa Bay Rays, Nola threw his first major league strikeout to Steven Souza Jr..

2015: Nola Enters Majors with Four-Pitch Lineup

In 2015, Aaron Nola entered the majors maintaining a four-pitch lineup, which includes a four-seam fastball, curveball, changeup, and sinker.

2015: Advanced Through Phillies' Farm System

Throughout the 2015 season, Aaron Nola advanced through the Phillies' farm system, demonstrating his growing skill and potential.

April 2, 2016: Named to Phillies' Opening Day Roster

On April 2, 2016, Aaron Nola was named to the Phillies' Opening Day roster, signifying his place as a key player in the team.

2017: Strong Return to the Mound

After recovering from an elbow injury, Aaron Nola made a strong return to the mound in 2017, allowing two runs or fewer in 18 of his 27 season starts.

2017: Breaks Strikeout Record

In 2017, Aaron Nola returned from injury and surpassed Curt Schilling's 1996 record for the most strikeouts by a Phillies pitcher with fewer than 30 starts in a single season, marking a triumph in his career.

2018: Increased Fastball Speed

By the start of the 2018 season, Aaron Nola increased his fastball speed to 93.3 mph.

2018: Recorded 200 Strikeouts

In 2018, Aaron Nola became the fourth pitcher in Phillies franchise history to record at least 200 strikeouts in a single season, achieving a significant milestone.

2018: Phillies' Opening Day Starting Pitcher

In 2018, Aaron Nola was chosen as the Phillies' Opening Day starting pitcher, marking a significant milestone in his career.

February 13, 2019: Signed Contract Extension with Phillies

On February 13, 2019, Aaron Nola signed a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Phillies, including a $2 million signing bonus, securing his future with the team.

January 2020: "Strike Out ALS" Charity Event

In January 2020, the Nola brothers hosted a "Strike Out ALS" charity event for their uncle.

2020: Charity Work and Award Nomination

In 2020, Nola partnered with Yuengling for "Cheers PA" and served as an ambassador for Garth Brooks' "Home Plate Project." He was also nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award.

2021: Introduction of Cutter into Rotation

During the 2021 spring training, Aaron Nola began working a cutter into his rotation.

2021: MLB Complete Game Shutout

In 2021, Aaron Nola threw his first complete game shutout in the MLB against the St. Louis Cardinals, marking a significant achievement in his career.

November 7, 2022: Phillies Exercise Club Option on Nola

On November 7, 2022, the Phillies exercised their end of the $16 million club option on Nola for the 2023 season, securing his return for another year.

November 19, 2023: Nola Signs Seven-Year Contract with Phillies

On November 19, 2023, Nola signed a seven-year, $172 million contract to return to the Phillies as a free agent. The contract contains no opt-out provisions.